Bandits abduct 46 in Katsina villages attacks

At least 46 people were reportedly abducted by gunmen in attacks on two separate communities in Batsari and Funtua local governments of Katsina State, at the weekend.

According to reports, one person was killed as some 28 people were abducted in Karare village of Batsari Local Government Area on Friday.

The terrorists, numbering about 40 riding on motorcycles, invaded the village in the morning hours and herded off the victims, including women and children.

Some of the abductees were students from Kokiya village heading to Government Day Secondary School, Karare.

A resident who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the attackers came from the southern part of the village and started shooting sporadically, leading to the death of one person.

“They abducted 28 people, including students, but later released four of them. Those released include one Malam Ladan and three children. They sent them a message that they would not accept old naira notes for ransom.

“Later, one other person escaped. So as we speak, there are 23 people currently with the bandits, but they did not make any ransom demand,” he said.

Another resident who shared his ordeal said he went into a healthcare centre from where he jumped over a fence to escape abduction, adding that one person was confirmed dead.

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